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Official mountain biking thread

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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
I know there are more brown pow lovers on this site, yah there is pinkbike but lets be honest, newshcoolers is wayyyy cooler. so lets posts our rides, questions about components, mechanic questions etc in this thread.

I just bought this beauty and i definitely sacrificed uphill capabiltiy in order to get a beefier dh/park bike. id been on a nomad for a while and it's a huge switch in riding styles for me. definitely getting used to the weight and having to keep speed a lot more.

specs for said beauty, 2011 rc2 dh totem, 2012 dhx rc4, highrollers front and back (gona go dhf front and highroller in the back), mtx 33 wheel set, slx brakes, diablous cranks, FSA 760mm Handlebar, Shimano SLX Shifter & Shimano Deore XT Derailleur.



Alright newschoolers, post your bikes. i wanna see some sexy steeds.
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Jun 9 2014 5:41PM
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.boz
Posts: 456 - Karma: 192
Have a pair of rocker2s with Guardians that I'd be willing to trade with a sum of cash for a MTB if anyone is interested....
Feb 1 2016 9:03PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
GANDALFKelly McGarry died this morning. RIP to one hell of a rider.

Fucking scarily random. Dudes heart just gave out while grinding to the top of a trail. Sucks, sounds like he was pretty much universally really, really well liked.
.bozHave a pair of rocker2s with Guardians that I'd be willing to trade with a sum of cash for a MTB if anyone is interested....


2011 Specialized stumpjumper fsr comp. Completely stock. Has seen some wear and tear but still rides well.
Feb 1 2016 9:55PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
...but its an XL :(
Feb 1 2016 10:00PM
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JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
californiagrownFucking scarily random. Dudes heart just gave out while grinding to the top of a trail. Sucks, sounds like he was pretty much universally really, really well liked.


Was that the cause? He was the definition of a nice guy from what I heard. Just a sad day in the MTB community..
Feb 1 2016 11:46PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
JuliusJWas that the cause? He was the definition of a nice guy from what I heard. Just a sad day in the MTB community..


Its being reported that it was cardiac arrest while climbing to the top of a trail to shoot some media with YT personnel.


Spooky random. I assume it was a pre-existing heart defect kinda thing which is scary.
Feb 2 2016 12:37AM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
californiagrownIts being reported that it was cardiac arrest while climbing to the top of a trail to shoot some media with YT personnel.


Spooky random. I assume it was a pre-existing heart defect kinda thing which is scary.


Way too young. That sucks.
Feb 2 2016 2:00AM
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jblaski
Posts: 5566 - Karma: 1,078
Not a lot of fresh snow in Utah lately, so I've been taking the bike out.
Mar 2 2016 4:15AM
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e.littt
Posts: 414 - Karma: 2,348
This is my ride, 2013 TR450, I got more pics if you guys are interested
Mar 2 2016 2:18PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,578
I just wanted to share my stoke, but Im gonna be doing some filming for Kirt Vories here in Bend.....wow!
Mar 3 2016 8:58PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
Picked up a new (used) shock a couple weeks ago. Pretty pumped Definitely an upgrade from the old Dhx-Air 5.0. Next upgrade might be brakes. Not in any rush for more upgrades though.

.
Mar 3 2016 9:05PM
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JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
JuliusJSo not sure if any of you are interested, I am posting my whip for sale. 2015 Specialized Enduro Expert 650b.



Heres the link to my pinkbike posting


Dropped price to $3900 yo!
Mar 22 2016 3:12PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
We had a down hill fat bike race at the ski hill over the weekend. So much fun. We were just flying down the ski hill over rollers and gates. You can;t really go that fast on a fat bike so you pretty much just bomb the hill and stay off the brakes as much as you can.

We had two hours to take as many run on a course as we could before moving to the second stage. Second stage was soft slushy snow on some steeper run. so much carnage on that stage.

After the race it was the big fundraiser for our city's trails. It's a big gala with fancy food and expensive everything. Anyway I'm itching to get back on the bike now.
Mar 22 2016 11:54PM
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NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,411
Also itching to get back on the bike. We just need some warm, dry weather and we'll be riding premium stuff really soon. I do have some building ambitions that might get explored in my downtime though...
Mar 24 2016 9:12PM
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NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,411
In other news, SRAM released this beauty today:

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/sram-eagle-12-speed-drivetrain-first-ride-2016.html

Should be pretty sick if you can afford it. I know it will get a hard knock from a lot of people, but personally we climb some wicked steep shit here and whoever can make it is obviously the fucking best rider going. With that I welcome lower ratios. My lowest gear right now is a 30-42, so something like a 30-50 would be mountain goat status, while still maintaining a ripping top end.
Mar 24 2016 9:44PM
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JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
NinetyFourIn other news, SRAM released this beauty today:

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/sram-eagle-12-speed-drivetrain-first-ride-2016.html

Should be pretty sick if you can afford it. I know it will get a hard knock from a lot of people, but personally we climb some wicked steep shit here and whoever can make it is obviously the fucking best rider going. With that I welcome lower ratios. My lowest gear right now is a 30-42, so something like a 30-50 would be mountain goat status, while still maintaining a ripping top end.


has a bigger gear range than more 2x10 set ups, which is fucking wild. people are gonna hate, but i think its actually pretty rad
Mar 25 2016 2:02AM
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e.littt
Posts: 414 - Karma: 2,348
Does anyone know how easy it is to get a bike park patroller job for the summer? Like I'm currently a lifeguard so patrol at a bike park sounds like a pretty sick summer job
Mar 25 2016 11:58AM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
NinetyFourIn other news, SRAM released this beauty today:

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/sram-eagle-12-speed-drivetrain-first-ride-2016.html

Should be pretty sick if you can afford it. I know it will get a hard knock from a lot of people, but personally we climb some wicked steep shit here and whoever can make it is obviously the fucking best rider going. With that I welcome lower ratios. My lowest gear right now is a 30-42, so something like a 30-50 would be mountain goat status, while still maintaining a ripping top end.


I like the idea of a bigger range because I have wimpy legs so I run a 30 tooth in front but I often find myself spinning out on normal trails. I feel that the gear jumps are too subtle though. those wide range 10 speed cassettes are looking mighty attractive except that they are not sram or shimano so spacing standards are going to go the way of more room for rigidity and more space for more gears.
Mar 25 2016 8:30PM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
TingaI like the idea of a bigger range because I have wimpy legs so I run a 30 tooth in front but I often find myself spinning out on normal trails. I feel that the gear jumps are too subtle though. those wide range 10 speed cassettes are looking mighty attractive except that they are not sram or shimano so spacing standards are going to go the way of more room for rigidity and more space for more gears.


What about just adding an oneup extender kit? I had zero issues with mine. I was running XT Cassette, SLX long cage mech, and the oneup 42t set with the goat link.
Mar 25 2016 9:47PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
byuboundWhat about just adding an oneup extender kit? I had zero issues with mine. I was running XT Cassette, SLX long cage mech, and the oneup 42t set with the goat link.


I find myself double shifting across the entire range. Personally I think the standard gear spacing is too close. I'm sure other people disagree.
Mar 25 2016 10:55PM
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000000000000
Posts: 843 - Karma: 1,552


My ancient beast, thing is like 60lbs
Mar 26 2016 12:06AM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
CheeF


My ancient beast, thing is like 60lbs


So rad. What fork is on there?
Mar 26 2016 12:12AM
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Bagels
Posts: 1022 - Karma: 1,306
Thoughts? Anybody gonna commit to a 1x12?

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/821196/FD-Eulogy
Mar 26 2016 12:16AM
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000000000000
Posts: 843 - Karma: 1,552
byuboundSo rad. What fork is on there?

Manitou, I have a Marzocchi 888 Bomber on it now. Need to get reduced gearing and smaller sprocket next.
Mar 26 2016 12:31AM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
BagelsThoughts? Anybody gonna commit to a 1x12?

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/821196/FD-Eulogy

Far too expensive right now, and I have heard from credible sources that sram will have electric mtb shifting out soon, which should hopefully drop prices on 1x12 mechanical.
CheeFManitou, I have a Marzocchi 888 Bomber on it now. Need to get reduced gearing and smaller sprocket next.

Rad. Huge fan of the spec dh stuff from the Palmer era.
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=133641
Mar 26 2016 12:56AM
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jblaski
Posts: 5566 - Karma: 1,078
BagelsThoughts? Anybody gonna commit to a 1x12?

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/821196/FD-Eulogy


The "latest and greatest" side of me really wants that. But, I'm already running 1x11. So investing a ton of money into one more gear really would be a waste. But I really like where it's going. After running a 1x11, it really is nice not ever worrying about a front derailleur. And so far, I haven't missed any gears that I had on my 3x10.
Mar 26 2016 2:09AM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
TingaI find myself double shifting across the entire range. Personally I think the standard gear spacing is too close. I'm sure other people disagree.


It all depends on your trails. Most of the stuff I ride is grind to the top and then a steep, sustained descent. So much so that a dropper post is nice, but not remotley necessary haha. Back in California where the riding is more XC oriented, I could see it used more for sure.
Mar 26 2016 10:25AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6661 - Karma: 10,910
CheeF


My ancient beast, thing is like 60lbs


Is that seriously yours?? It looks like it's in fantastic shape. If you ever sell it, make sure you don't give it away.
Mar 26 2016 10:33AM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
onenerdykidIs that seriously yours?? It looks like it's in fantastic shape. If you ever sell it, make sure you don't give it away.

Yeah, idk. First google image result when you search palmer fsr.
Mar 26 2016 10:40AM
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000000000000
Posts: 843 - Karma: 1,552
byuboundYeah, idk. First google image result when you search palmer fsr.


I have to confess. Used picture as a reference to the model of bike I have. Mine has all stickers removed, 24" rear, same monsterous sprocket, and came with inverted white brother's forks. I still love it, started racing downhill in 7th grade with this bike. In reality it has not been babied.
Mar 26 2016 7:20PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
Went out for the first 'off road' ride of the year last night. It was little more than a gravel path with zero elevation gain, but it was next to a lake and it wasn't on pavement, which isn't bad for the middle of the flat prairies of southern Alberta. Looking forward to more real trails this summer.

Mar 30 2016 3:28PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
JuliusJSo not sure if any of you are interested, I am posting my whip for sale. 2015 Specialized Enduro Expert 650b.



Heres the link to my pinkbike posting


That there is one sexy bike!

Was riding at the dry hill shuttle day in Port Angeles over Easter and per usual the group of 10 or so folks i was riding with were the drunkest, loudest riders there while having the most fun yet still being some of the fastest riders haha. I'm looking forward to the day where I'm not the shittiest rider in the group... Could be a long way off haha

Put a 50mm stem on the bike and it made such a huge difference- I was able to move around and be so much looser on the bike because I wasn't as stretched out.

Gotta get back in bike shape though. I might want to race an enduro this summer- hopefully the one at dry hill- I fucking love those trails.
Mar 30 2016 3:54PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,578
might be acquiring a carbon stumpjumper in exchange for some video work....really hoping so.
Mar 30 2016 5:06PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
GANDALFmight be acquiring a carbon stumpjumper in exchange for some video work....really hoping so.


That would be such a comeup! Really rad bike from everything I've heard. Were you able to make the filming gig with voreis work out? How are you adjusting to the trails down south?
Mar 30 2016 6:16PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6303 - Karma: 6,578
californiagrownThat would be such a comeup! Really rad bike from everything I've heard. Were you able to make the filming gig with voreis work out? How are you adjusting to the trails down south?


yeah we've been filming a lot recently. got an edit with him in the works. did some stuff with cam mccaul too for fox yesterday so yeah!

havent been riding much, as my bike is falling apart :[
Mar 30 2016 6:26PM
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JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
californiagrownThat there is one sexy bike!




you should buy it ;)
Mar 30 2016 11:58PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
JuliusJyou should buy it ;)


I have the 29" version and it is one fast confidence inspiring bike, ill tell you what! haha.

If i wasnt 6'4" i would have much preferred the smaller wheels. Special-ed gets a bad rap amongst a lot of people because its the "evil big-box brand", but i still see a lot of real good "core" riders loving their Enduro and they'll even begrudgingly admit its an awesome bike. Its an awesome bike if youre looking for something that truly excels at everything except flat buff singletrack.
Mar 31 2016 12:39AM
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chodo
Posts: 274 - Karma: 918
Ordered a new Santa Cruz Hightower last week in the 27.5+ configuration. Really looking forward to trying out the plus size tires. Might end up going right to 29er, who knows!

Pic Not Mine.

Mar 31 2016 7:49PM
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jblaski
Posts: 5566 - Karma: 1,078
chodoOrdered a new Santa Cruz Hightower last week in the 27.5+ configuration. Really looking forward to trying out the plus size tires. Might end up going right to 29er, who knows!

Pic Not Mine.



Even though I'm in love with my Nomad, I'm still a bit jealous. Congrats on the purchase, that bike looks awesome.
Mar 31 2016 8:33PM
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JuliusJ
Posts: 3778 - Karma: 2,106
chodoOrdered a new Santa Cruz Hightower last week in the 27.5+ configuration. Really looking forward to trying out the plus size tires. Might end up going right to 29er, who knows!

Pic Not Mine.



thats the way to do it imo. i'd rather have the 150mm, even with the 29." apparently a lot of the santa cruz employees run it as such
Mar 31 2016 11:34PM
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chodo
Posts: 274 - Karma: 918
JuliusJthats the way to do it imo. i'd rather have the 150mm, even with the 29." apparently a lot of the santa cruz employees run it as such


That was my reasoning, really. I wanted the 150 pike. My dude at my LBS said that if I don't dig the plus tires they will let me just swap wheels!

Anyone have any reviews or experience with the monarch rt shock? Haven't used a rockshox rear shock in a while. Thinking of replacing with a float X
Apr 1 2016 9:10AM
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Tanner-D
Posts: 2061 - Karma: 4,116
chodoThat was my reasoning, really. I wanted the 150 pike. My dude at my LBS said that if I don't dig the plus tires they will let me just swap wheels!

Anyone have any reviews or experience with the monarch rt shock? Haven't used a rockshox rear shock in a while. Thinking of replacing with a float X


I would definitely give the plus a try. Who knows it might be like the 29er when it came out. The industry pushed that shit on everyone and no one wanted it and now look where we are now. That bike would also be really rad with 29 wheels and 150 pike. Also I love my fox float x evol. The previous fox float x is not nearly as good as the newer evol version.
Apr 1 2016 10:44AM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51672 - Karma: 162,623
SAd news



Cranx Bike Park

2 days ago
Cranx Bike Park

***********************
To all of our friends and families, and friends that have become like family:

We regret to inform you that we have lost our lease. The landlord, UHaul, wishes to use the building for its own purposes and we just couldn't convince them to let us stay!


This weekend, and the next, will be the last time that you can enjoy what we have built for you. Our last day open is presently scheduled for April 10, 2016. Get your riding in, while you can.



We will be announcing specials on all of our equipment, bikes, parts and accessories shortly.



There is no one more upset than we are. We, candidly, expected to have to shut down several months ago, but we have made every effort to extend our presence for as long as possible.


Come Ride, for the last few times, and experience the best, and probably only bike park of this scale and scope, ever!

Get to CranX, Now!
_____________
Apr 1 2016 11:04AM
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Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
The new climbing trail at Tiger is open!
Apr 1 2016 6:06PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
SklarThe new climbing trail at Tiger is open!


Wait, what? Where is it? How tough is it? More info needed now! Damnit!
Apr 1 2016 10:04PM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
SklarThe new climbing trail at Tiger is open!


Lol I've poached part of it downhill accidentally before it opened. Wonder how they will keep lots of people from doing the same, cause it was super fun.
Apr 2 2016 12:14AM
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Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
californiagrownWait, what? Where is it? How tough is it? More info needed now! Damnit!


https://washingtondnr.wordpress.com/2016/04/01/new-mountain-bike-trail-in-snoqualmie-corridor/
Apr 2 2016 1:04PM
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skiskate
Posts: 787 - Karma: 823
So im looking at getting a new bike, used to ride bmx and dirt jumps as a kid but more just looking for cruising trails, grinding up hills, and then more mellow stuff on the way down. Bike shops were pushing me for a specialized rockhopper or the trek marlin 7, does anybody got anything to say aboit either?
Apr 9 2016 9:39AM
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Tanner-D
Posts: 2061 - Karma: 4,116
Glad to see Aaron Gwin take the win at Lourdes but I was really rooting for Loic. This WC season is going to be so good. I'm calling it right now as Bruni vs Gwin all season long.
Apr 10 2016 4:12PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
Tanner-DGlad to see Aaron Gwin take the win at Lourdes but I was really rooting for Loic. This WC season is going to be so good. I'm calling it right now as Bruni vs Gwin all season long.


I think if Bruni can figure out how to just hang on to those awesome runs he will give gwin a run for his money. Should be a fun season to watch.
Apr 10 2016 5:16PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
skiskateSo im looking at getting a new bike, used to ride bmx and dirt jumps as a kid but more just looking for cruising trails, grinding up hills, and then more mellow stuff on the way down. Bike shops were pushing me for a specialized rockhopper or the trek marlin 7, does anybody got anything to say aboit either?

Where do you ride? What's your budget?
Apr 10 2016 5:30PM
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